After what seems like the longest pre-season, the Gisborne Giants are ready to make their senior debut in the Riddell District Football League.
The years of preparation for the Giants have all come together as they field a full complement of teams for the first time.
Inaugural senior coach Andrew Hall said it was pretty exciting to now be in sight of round one.
“It has been a wonderful build up for us,” he said. “We’re the new kids on the block and we’ve been talking a lot about how important it is to follow the process and develop.
“We’re not focused so much on the outcome, but building a young list with a strong culture.
“We’re grateful to the people that have got us to that point.”
Hall said their group certainly knew the importance of getting off to a good start in a league that is starting to build.
He said the squad they had put together was one that they were really happy with.
“We have a very good mix of players who can cover across all areas of the ground,” he said. “They are young and keen to learn. We’ve already embedded some learning into the playing group and there’s a bit of structure we’ve been able to build in the first half of the off season.
“We’ve had good numbers at training which is a positive sign.”
With a brand new side there’s plenty of different standouts on the track.
It’s some of the leaders that have surprised Hall the most in what has become a tight knit group.
“Brad Mangan, I knew he’d had a great career before he come here, he has amazed me,” he said.
“Matt Quigley has been outstanding at a similar level to Brad. It’s like having extra leaders on the ground.
“They are driving the program. Matt Wallace has been outstanding on the defensive line. I’m buoyed about Dylan Cunningham and James O’Connor.
“Then some local boys like Tom Doyle, Jack Clough. They have impressed me in the off season and are definitely up to the task.
“[Jiaya] Mitchell, [Josh] Lee have been impressive as well, the list can go on.”
Hall said they are under no illusions that it will be tough this season and are focused on the long term goals.
The Giants have held two practice matches and were playing a third on the weekend.
The seniors and reserves faced the Western Rams, while the under-19s played Keilor.
Then all three teams played Bungaree, which is one of the favourites for the Central Highlands flag, with the seniors having an even game.
They faced East Keilor on the weekend in the last game
Hall said before the match it would be a good test of where they are at.
The Giants face Kyneton on April 5 in round one.
“The enthusiasm of the group, round one, could not come quick enough,” Hall said.
